From Karen’s Desk:
With the explosion of equine-related activities in the North Country over the last decade, it is easy to see that the whole horse industry is growing. New York’s Field Office of the USDA is currently working diligently to put real numbers to that assumption with an update to the survey conducted five years ago. A growing horse industry helps us all - better laws protecting horses and owners, more support services such as feed and tack stores, and oodles of educational opportunities (many of which are noted in this issue) to take advantage of.
In
this day and age of conspiracy theories and “Us vs. Them”, many are quick to
assume that a survey from the government is Big Brother coming home to roost.
Not so! I think George King, the President of the New York State Horse Council,
sums it best saying:
"I
believe that the 2000 Equine Survey was the most important document ever
produced by New York State Agriculture and Markets in support of the horse
industry in New York. It was used extensively by the Horse Council, the
Farm Bureau, and the chairs of the two Legislative Agriculture Committees to
obtain tax relief for horse farms, to designate boarding farms as farms and not
commercial businesses, and to support promotional programs for the horse
industry. At no time has any individual’s information been released by the
USDA and it cannot be released by law. The organization has a proven track
record in this respect. The update that the 2005 survey will provide will be
used to support the argument that boarding farms or farriers need not be
collecting sales tax, and it will be used in the future to advance the
industry. In addition, accurate numbers and information on the health of the
industry can be instrumental in helping to pass the 'Inherent Risk' legislation
so badly needed in the state. This is a program that everyone who loves
and owns horses must support."
I’m eagerly anticipating the
results for the real upstate NY and am glad to have contributed to the
betterment of the horse by participating as two “operations”, one at work and
my retirement farm at home. If your survey is still sitting on your counter,
fill it out now. If you didn’t receive one or need a new one, please use the
copy in this newsletter. Send it to the address in the survey’s letterhead. It
can’t be stressed enough how important this is, so don’t hesitate to contact me
if I can answer any questions.
See you at EquiDay!
Karen
The
Perils of the Super Easy Keeper Horse by Lynn Commaille, Equine
Intern
Though
diabetes is a common ailment in humans, it historically has not been associated
with equines. The few recorded documents of equine diabetes over the last fifty
years were associated with tumors in the pancreas or pituitary gland. Recently,
however, researchers have been associating obese horses with a new metabolic
syndrome that seems very similar to human-type diabetes. Once called “Equine
Metabolic Disease”, researchers are calling it Insulin Resistance and
are starting to see the entire impact this previously undiagnosed disease has
on the horse’s entire body.
What is Insulin Resistance (IR)?
Insulin
resistance is a condition in which the cells of the body do not respond to the
hormone insulin as they normally would (very similar to Type II Diabetes in
humans). As a response, the body alerts the pancreas to increase insulin
production in an effort to assist the glucose into the cells where it can be
utilized. Unlike human diabetes, where the normal response is an elevated blood
glucose level, the horse only produces elevated insulin levels.
What are the symptoms of IR?
Symptoms
of IR are very similar to that of Cushing’s Disease and many Cushing’s horses
are IR. Horses may be lethargic and uninterested in their feed, though they
still might be gaining weight; others are insatiably hungry. In horses that go
off their feed completely, they might still gain abnormal fatty deposits on the
sides of their abdomen and become very cresty.
In addition, a classic area of these characteristic fat deposits can be
found at the tail head. Another typical feature is to see puffy areas in the
hollows above the eyes (which is another fat deposit, as well). Horses that have IR, or seem to be
developing it, have a tendency for laminitis – especially associated with
founder induced by grass. Unfortunately, it is very often a case of laminitis
that starts the diagnosis of IR. As the condition advances, symptoms can
include an increase in thirst and urination, loss of body condition, weakness
and decreasing energy levels.
What is the difference between IR and Cushing’s Disease?
Although
the symptoms associated with both diseases tend to be very similar, the only
specific way to distinguish between IR and Cushing’s Disease is to have a
veterinarian do several tests. Cushing’s Disease causes an elevated serum ACTH
level (the hormone associated with stress), which in turn, produces elevated
cortisol levels (another “stress hormone”). Over a long period of time,
increased cortisol levels interfere with insulin’s ability to work properly,
causing insulin resistance. With IR horses that do not have Cushing’s
Disease, there is elevated serum insulin without an increase in ACTH
levels.
How do you treat IR?
Control
sugars in feed (see below)
Regular
exercise to boost metabolism
Mineral
balancing
Plenty
of antioxidants in diet
What type of diet should you feed the IR horse?
IR horses
require a diet that is tightly controlled to minimize the amount of starch and
sugar. This includes eliminating all grains, particularly ones with
molasses, or if that’s not an option, moving towards a “carb-safe” product that
is specifically designed for IR horses. In addition, the horse needs to be off
grass or fitted with a grazing muzzle and moved to other supplemental feed
sources such as non-molasses beet pulp. Remember, ALL potential sugar/starch
resources need to be removed, including treats such as apples and carrots. Regarding hay, it is smart to have an
analysis done on your hay to make sure that the NSC (non-structural
carbohydrate levels, the primary sugar in hay) is below 10-12%. If it is not,
there are commercially available hay cubes that fall within this range or hay
can be soaked for 1 hour in cold water (1/2 hour in hot) to remove sugars prior
to feeding.
Should you be concerned?
This
is something that everyone should be aware of because it could be your horse
next! It’s important to remember that
there are many factors that are involved in IR… some of which may be completely
out of your control. In fact, researchers have found that there is a connection
with genetics and breed tendencies. At the top of the list of potential breeds
that would be associated with sugar intolerance is the Morgan, causing
us to be more wary and alert at the Miner Institute about noticing any
potential symptoms! Other breeds that researchers have associated with IR are
ponies and “easy-keepers”, but IR can affect any horse. If you are ever in doubt about your horse,
contact a veterinarian to discuss Insulin Resistance with him or her.
IR-Friendly
Treats, according to Dr. Eleanor Kellon:
·
Small
amount of normal hay/acceptable pellets
·
Iceberg
lettuce, celery, mushroom or fresh parsley
·
Small
amount of apple peel (none of the flesh!)
·
Small
amount (1 tablespoon) of low fat, plain, unsweetened yogurt
·
Shells
and papery outer covering of nuts (peanut, pumpkin, sunflower)
To
learn LOTS more from leaders in this field, go to the internet at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings.
DEWORMING PROTOCOL FOR MINER INSTITUTE
This
plan was devised with a few things in mind: We aren’t treating any horses for
insulin resistance or Cushing’s disease (must be cautious with praziquantel and
moxidectin with them). We have definite seasons of winter/summer. We did 1 +
year worth of Fecal Egg Counts and Fecal Egg Reduction Tests on each horse to
arrive at the following plan. There is documented resistance to oxibendazole
and fenbendazole at Miner and we will be testing pyrantel pamoate this spring.
We have not yet used Moxidectin on this farm for encysted strongyles and with a
resistance to fenbendazole, the Panacur Power Pac is not an option to target
this stage of the life cycle.
What
we’ve found through testing: there are some horses that need to be dewormed
every time and have moderate to high egg counts (over 150 eggs per gram) with
each FEC. There are some horses that never have any eggs and only have been
dewormed twice a year since then with ivermectin and praziquantel to control
bots and tapeworms. There is a separate plan for
youngsters (15 months and under).
SARATOGA
DRIVING ASSOCIATION SPRING CONFERENCE
The
Saratoga Driving Association's second annual Get Ready for Spring conference will be held on
February 18, 2006 at the Verdoy Fire Department on Rte 7 in Latham, NY. This year's lineup includes trainers Andy
Marcoux and Robin Groves, farrier Jack Millman, ADS Secretary Susan Koso,
and animal behaviorist Dr. Steve McKenzie. They will be speaking on a
variety of topics dealing with the training and care of the driving equine, and
are sure to give you information and ideas to give you a jump-start on your
plans for the upcoming season. Complete details can be found at www.saratogadriving.com. Continental breakfast and lunch are included in
the registration fee, and we have fabulous door prizes donated by DD Rapps,
Saratoga Horseworks, Riders Crossing, Running Brook Farm, and more. Although
we will accept walk-in registrations the day of the conference, please be
advised that the registration fee will increase by $10 if postmarked after
January 31, 2006. The cost until January 31st is $40 per person for
SDA members and $50 per person for non-members. Beginning February 1, the cost
will be $50 per person for SDA members and $60 per person for non-members. If you join SDA at the same time you
register for the conference, you may pay the SDA member fee. SDA membership is
$25 per year and includes a subscription to Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar.
Ever
since 2001 there has been a collaborative equine educational program that
rotates between three Land Grant Universities in the North East. The program,
called “Horses 200X”, rotates between Vermont, New Jersey,
and New York. It is organized with educational seminars, equine clinics, and a
vendor fair. In addition to the collaboration of the three Land Grant
Universities, there are many other colleges and equine-related organizations
that work together to produce a first rate program!
“Horses
2006” at
Cornell will be held in Ithaca, NY on March 25 and 26, 2006. Some of the best
clinicians in the nation will be there:
·
Judy Richter – Hunter Trainer named “Trainer of the Year” many years running; her
students have been top winners at the major USA Equestrian shows; Board of
Directors for USA Equestrian; a licensed “R” judge; a columnist for “The
Chronicle of the Horse”; author of two books “Horse and Rider from Basics to
Show Competition”, and most recently published “Riding for Kids”; Olympic Gold
Medalist William Steinkraus thought so much of Judy that he sent his two
children to Judy to train with her!
·
Susan Harris – Nationally and internationally known artist, author, trainer, writer,
and well loved horse woman will be here with us; Susan is artist to the
extremely well known USPC Pony Club manuals; author of “Grooming to Win”;
author of “Anatomy in Motion”; known for her videos “Visible Horse” and
“Visible Rider” produced with Peggy Brown; artist and designer for the recently
released Breyer horse model “Anatomy in Motion”; Susan trained personally by
Sally Swift - the famous Centered Riding instructor; and so much more!
Additional
clinicians, topics for educational talks, speakers, and vendor information will
be released shortly and posted to Cornell University’s Department of Animal
Science web site at: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/horses. The last time the program was held in New
York it was held at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Over 560 participants
attended the formal educational programs, and many more thousands attended the
free and open to the public Vendor Fair. There were fifty-eight vendors present
with booths ranging from feed companies, to tack shops, equine artists, horse
farms, insurance companies, trailer sales, equine related organizations,
fencing companies, equine publications, equine health products, equine
colleges, and so much more. The educational talks and clinics were all outstanding.
This is an excellent two-day equine event.
Do not miss this equine event. It is the one of the most comprehensive
equine programs in the tri-state area. Mark you calendars for “Horses 2006 at
Cornell in Ithaca, New York, on March 25-26, 2006! See you there!
…obviously
didn’t have horses. In general, wire
and horses don’t mix particularly well, with wire fences being the leading
cause of leg and hoof injuries according to a lecture once given by Cornell’s
resident farrier, Mike Wildenstein. Barbed wire rates way up there in the
“Worst Fence Choice” for horse category.
January
18th would have been the 193rd
birthday of Joseph Farwell Glidden who spent much of his childhood on a farm
near Buffalo, NY. After moving west and seeing several poor attempts at keeping
livestock contained in something more effective than thorny hedgerows, he
invented twisted wire with snipped sections sticking off to prevent animals
from leaning on it and soon became one of the richest men in the country.
Barbed wire allowed for more settlement and less “free-ranging”, thus sealing
the fate of the true cowboy.
Parallel
Universes: Horse Shows and Kindergarten by
Betsy Greene, Ph.D. and Extension Equine Specialist
If
you have ever been within thirty feet of a child between the ages of 1-5 years,
then you have probably experienced the “sniffle syndrome.” This is an unavoidable occurrence that
results in development of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes, and dripping nose
within a few days of exposure. It
doesn’t matter if you never touched the child or anything that he touched. The “child-boogey bugs” are lurking nearby,
waiting for the next victim. You can
never build immunity or resistance, since each “child-boogey bug” is slightly
different. Horses seem to have their
own version “equi-boogey bugs.”
Fortunately however, we have a fighting chance of protecting our animals
from the most prevalent ones. We will
examine some of the key “equi-boogey bugs” (scientific abbreviation, Eq-B’s)
that may surface at the local horse show or county fair, and offer some
pointers on protecting your four-legged carrot-eating beast.
Some
of the Eq-B’s that horses can be exposed to include several types of types of
viral respiratory infections. Young
animals that are housed in adjoining stalls or paddocks can pass these to their
neighbors by means of direct contact, aerosol, or by fomite transmission. A fomite is some inanimate object that is
capable of housing and transmitting infectious organisms between
individuals. The following viral
infections are fairly commonplace at any highly populated horse event.
Equine Influenza: Signs:
fever, decreased appetite, depression, lung sounds and a nasal discharge.
Normal
cases will begin to show improvement within 4-7 days. The illness can be extended and complicated if opportunistic
bacteria cause a secondary infection.
Equine Herpesvirus 1 and 4: The most common “cold causing” Eq-B is EHV-4. However, pregnant mares infected with EHV-1
can abort their foals or give birth to a weak foal. Young foals that are in a stressful state due to weaning can
develop more severe signs such as fever, clear nasal discharge, swollen lymph
nodes and labored breathing. Some
horses have demonstrated neurological signs such as ataxia (loss of coordinated
muscle movement) after the infection is cleared up.
Equine Herpesvirus 2: EVH-2 can have signs similar to EVH-1, but
keratoconjunctivitis can occur in addition to fever, nasal discharge, etc.
Kinder-care: The viral
respiratory diseases will usually run their course without veterinary treatment
within 7-14 days. If horses are
provided good nursing care, decreased stress, a lay off from extreme exercise
or training, they will be less likely to develop a secondary bacterial
infection. All infected horses should
be isolated, since they can shed large amounts of the Eq-B’s during their
illness. Veterinarians have differing
opinions regarding the administration of “support” antibiotics. Some will say that it will help decrease
possible secondary bacterial invasion; others feel that this will provide an
opportunity for the development of resistant strains of bacteria. Other options include use of bronchodilators
to ease breathing.
Prevention: Good
management is the best prevention.
However, even if the horses are housed in a clean, dry and
well-ventilated environment with ample exercise and adequate nutrition they can
still contract a respiratory disease on show day. Almost everyone can remember the pre-show atmosphere with horses
to bathe (even if it’s still a little chilly…), manes to pull, braid, or band, tack
to clean, trailers to pack, etc. Then,
at the crack of dawn, the horse is loaded up for the show. After a day of competition, your
well-managed horse has been exposed to enough Eq-B’s and enough stress to set
up with a bout of sickness.
Some
Available Vaccines and Recommendations (check with your veterinarian):
EHV-1
Antigens
Þ
Rhinomune (SmithKline Beecham) – Vaccinate at 3-months of age
or older, administer 2 doses 4-8 weeks apart, and revaccinate every 3
months. (intramuscular)
Þ
Pneumabort K (Fort Dodge) – Killed vaccine: vaccinate pregnant
mares (and other mares sharing pens) during the 5th, 7th
and 9th month of gestation.
Young horses need to be vaccinated after weaning, followed with a
booster 3-4 weeks later. Following the
second dose, vaccinate again in 6 months and then annually. (intramuscular).
EHV-1
and 4:
Þ
Prestige II (Haver/Diamond) – Killed vaccine for both EHV 1 and
4. Used to vaccinate young and mature horses with limited vaccination
reaction. (no instructions listed,
intramuscular).
Influenza
Vaccines*:
Þ
Equicine II with
Havlogen (Haver/Diamond) –
Inactivated, purified, cell culture origin of Equine Influenza Virus A1 and A2
and other strains. Vaccinate with 2
doses 3-4 weeks apart and then annually.
Þ
Equi-Flu (Coopers) – Contains killed A1 and A2. Administer 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart and then
annually.
Þ
Flucine TC with Spur (Cutter) – Inactivated A1 and A2. Vaccinate with 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart and
then annually.
Þ
Flumune (SmithKline Beecham) – Inactivated A1 and A2. Administer 2 doses 3 weeks apart and then
annually.
Þ
Fluvac (Fort Dodge) – Contains A1 and A2. Vaccinate with 2 doses 2-4 weeks apart and
booster annually.
Þ
Inflogen (Solvay) – Contains A1 and A2. Administer 2 doses 2-4
weeks apart and booster annually.
*All influenza vaccines are administered
intramuscularly.
References:
Rose, R. J. and D. R. Hodgson. Manual of Equine
Practice. W. B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia, PA 1993.
Mark Your Calendars for the 2006 Saratoga Horse Symposium
The
2006 Saratoga Horse Symposium will be held on Saturday, April 1 at the Cornell
Cooperative Extension Office in Ballston Spa and at the 4-H Training Center on
Middleline Road, Ballston Spa.
Registration for the day will be from 8-9:00 a.m. at the Extension
Office, 50 West High St., with coffee, tea and donuts provided. The program starts at 9:15.
The
program includes Dr. Bill Barnes, DVM who will speak on “Know When to Call the
Vet.”. “Dare to Go Bare” is the title
of AFA Certified Farrier Penny Springstead’s presentation on natural hoof
trimming. In the afternoon horse
trainer Sue Knight will present “Improved Synchronization & Timing Equals
Exceptional Horsemanship and Fun!” for the live animal portion of the program.
We
are pleased to have the support of our corporate sponsors A and J Enterprises
of Salem, NY, Agway Feed and Nutrition, Albany, NY, The Cheshire Horse of
Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, NY, Farm Family Insurance, Clifton Park, NY, Insect
Control Systems, Shoreham, VT, Nutrena Feeds, Albany, NY, Triple Crown
Nutrition, Wayzata, MN, Walker’s Farm, Home, and Tack, Fort Ann, NY, Whitman’s
Feed Store, North Bennington, VT,
Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Saratoga Springs, NY, and First Pioneer
Farm Credit, Greenwich, NY. Company
representatives will welcome you at the program.
A
silent auction will be featured with many great horse products available. In the past we have had books, clothing,
tack, paintings, feed, buckets, ladies purses, gift certificates, equine health
products, and more. Proceeds for the
entire program benefit the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center.
Participants
will receive informational packets consisting of printed material from various
equine businesses and organizations.
With any questions or to receive registration information, please call
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at (518) 885-8995. You can also visit us at www.ccesaratoga.org to download
registration forms. The cost of the
program is $20.00/ person, $15/each additional family member, including
all materials and a delicious hot lunch.
Pre-registration is requested by March 24 to guarantee lunch. Late registrations will be taken at
$15/person (no lunch included).
18th Annual Equine Reproduction Workshop
The
UVM Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge, Vermont, the William H. Miner Agricultural
Research Institute of Chazy, New York and the Middlebury Large Animal Clinic of
Middlebury, Vermont will host their 18th annual Reproduction Workshop beginning
the afternoon of Friday, April 7 and continuing for a full day on Saturday,
April 8, 2006.
Dr.
Donald Hunt and associates are skilled veterinary practitioners in equine
reproduction and physiology. They will discuss managing the uses of lights,
hormones, and ultrasound in your breeding program, anatomy and physiology of
the mare and stallion, embryo transfer, artificial insemination and
foaling/neonatal care.
The topics covered by Dr. Josie Davis of the University of Vermont's Equine Studies Program and Katie Ballard, Director of Research and Equine Program Coordinator at Miner Institute, will include updates on materials, techniques and procedures for collecting, processing and transporting fresh-cooled and frozen stallion semen.
The
staff of the UVM Morgan Horse Farm, Miner Institute and the veterinarians will
guide workshop participants through hands-on participation and demonstrations
of ultrasound, teasing procedures, semen collection and processing, artificial
insemination and frozen semen handling. The important step of training the
inexperienced stallion to the breeding phantom is also demonstrated.
The
registration fee of $250 includes workshop materials and meals. Spaces are
limited to 25 participants and become filled well in advance. Call the UVM
Morgan Horse Farm at (802) 388-2011, Monday-Friday, for further information.
It’s the “Equine Affaire” of Vermont, but
cheaper and less crowded!
Horse lovers will again be
able to get a jump on the season at the third annual “Everything Equine” show
April 29-30, 2006 at the Champlain Valley Exposition. The event offers horse
enthusiasts a full range of demonstrations, training, seminars, products and
displays at the start of the spring and summer riding season.
“Everything Equine” is
presented in part by the The Horse Works, University of Vermont Extension and
Champlain Valley Exposition, and sponsored by Poulin Grain, Inc., The Equine
Journal, Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar and Purina Mills.
Betsy Greene, equine
specialist at the University of Vermont Extension, is thrilled at the growth of
the show in its first two years. “This is a great event that combines the
strengths of UVM Extension, the Exposition, and Vermont horse businesses and equine
industry experts.”
Helping fuel the show’s
growth, according to Greene, are the “empty nesters” who are going back to the
things they love to do – whether it is having a horse in the backyard or
boarding horses. “I think for many people, having a horse is one of those
things that makes Vermont feel like a great place to live,” she noted.
That passion contributes
significantly to the state’s farm economy - $26 million a year on grain and hay
alone, not to mention tack, fences, veterinarians and other expenses. “Horse
owners spend a lot of money – for many people, horses are their recreation,
replacing a boat, RV or snowmobile,” Greene said.
“Everything Equine is
designed to focus that passion and bring together horse-related businesses,
riding clubs and industry experts under one roof. People – the everyday
horseperson, newcomers, professionals and serious competitors – will all find
something fresh and of interest at the show,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for a
great number of people to come together and learn, regardless of their place in
the equine industry – everyday horseperson, professional or serious
competitor,” she said.
“When it comes to equine
interest, Vermont is a natural for a show like this,” states Tom Oddy, CVE’s
director of special events. “That was demonstrated last year by the 7,000
people who attended the two-day show,” he added.
“There’s a real buzz in the
horse community about this event. The Vermont Horse Council’s evening equine
variety show, “Horsin’ Around” on Saturday sold very well. We are planning
another evening show for 2006. Our exhibitor space sold equally well in 2005 –
which is why we are now adding another indoor building so the show can continue
to expand,” he said.
Plans are already underway
for the seminars, demonstrations and exhibits. Details should be available in
early 2006, Oddy said. Among the topics being considered: demonstrations of
equine health, training, jumping and driving, saddle fitting, alternative
therapies, emergency aid and more. There will also be seminars covering,
nutrition, health, business, liability, equine reproduction, spring tune-up:
conditioning tips, old horse issues, turning your horse hobby into a viable
business, picking the right contractor, equitation tips, and much more.
“There’s really something for
everyone at this family-oriented event and people are ready for the riding
season to start,” Green added.
Vendor and exhibit space is
also available. For details call Tom Oddy at Champlain Valley Exposition, (802)
878-5545; toddy@cvfair.com or Susan
Petrie at email spetrie@cvfair.com.
Vermont Large Animal Clinic & The University of
Vermont Extension 2006 2nd Annual Winter Seminar
Date: Saturday,
February 11, 2006
Time: 10
am – 2 pm
Place: Flemming
Museum – Room 101
UVM
Campus – Burlington, Vermont
Cost: $15
includes lunch and all proceeds will benefit VT 4H club
Program:
Registration, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
Dr. Philip van Harreveld, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
·
Potomac
Horse Fever: update, what’s new
·
Scratches/Hives/Heaves
·
Laminitis
and Steroids – What are the concerns?
·
Colic
update – Why you should have insurance
Dr. Emilie Beaupré, 11:00 am – noon
·
Equine
acupuncture and back problems
·
Overview
of equine muscle disorders
·
Equine
sport related injuries
30 minute lunch break, noon – 12:30 pm
Dr. Jennifer Jobin, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
·
Management
of the pregnant mare
·
The
newborn foal: What to do?
·
Applications
of ultrasonography in equine practice
Panel Discussion with all veterinarians, 1:30 pm –
2:00 pm
·
Question
and answer session
·
Topics
for next seminar/newsletters
·
Suggestions
The
registration form and detailed brochure for this conference can be downloaded
from our website: www.vlac.net. Registration should be received by February 8, 2006. Please call 802-893-6800 if you have
questions or if you would like to register by phone.
"A Time to Talk," by Robert Frost
When
a friend calls to me from the road
And
slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I
don't stand still and look around
On
all the hills I haven't hoed,
And
shout from where I am, 'What is it?'
No,
not as there is a time to talk.
I
thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end
up and five feet tall,
And
plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
MINER INSTITUTE TO HOLD ANNUAL EQUINE CONFERENCE
EquiDay
2006 at Miner Institute in Chazy, New York is shaping up to be an outstanding
program for all equine enthusiasts. An
annual event, this daylong symposium on horse topics and mini-expo launches the
spring season in the North Country. On
Saturday, March 18th the doors will open at 9:00 a.m. for free
registration and refreshments. The core
program will begin at 10:00a.m. with guest speakers and will conclude at
3:30p.m. with a door prize drawing.
Lunch is available for purchase to benefit a local 4H club.
The
words “founder” and “laminitis” strike terror into the hearts of every horse
owner and manager. Katy Watts has
conducted extensive research in her home state of Colorado, has been speaking
at major laminitis conferences for years on the relationship of feeds to this
problem, and has brought many new facts to light; many of which fly in the face
of what we’ve been practicing for years!
Check out www.safergrass.org and come prepared to hear it “straight from
the horse’s mouth.”
Jessica
Ebert, Esq. of Burlington, Vermont will cover equine law. This is not often thought of as an issue
until there is a problem, but a basic awareness of horse-owner rights and
responsibilities is crucial. She will
give overviews of liabilities laws and other facts of horse ownership.
TTouch
is a blend of relationship training and physical bodywork to improve
performance and just plain ‘ole enjoyment of the horse. Marcy Baer of Plainfield, Vermont, a
practitioner of this art started by Linda Tellington-Jones, will speak on what
exactly TTouch is and how you can put it to work for you and your horse.
No
matter the weather (EquiDay is famous for snowstorms), the show will go
on. EquiDay is held in the Miner Center
building of Miner Institute on Rte. 191, just west off exit 41 on I-87. For more information visit our website at
www.whminer.com or contact Karen Lassell at 518-846-7121 x120 or lassell@whminer.com.
